Ben Affleck Will No Longer Direct Standalone Batman Film

Trending News: Ben Affleck Steps Down As Director Of The Standalone Batman Film

Long Story Short

Good news! Or bad news, depending on how you feel about the guy. Either way, Ben Affleck has announced he will not direct the upcoming standalone Batman film.

Long Story

Were you really looking forward to Ben Affleck directing the new standalone Batman film (that he would also star in)? Yes? And then did you see Live By Night last week and decide that, actually, it wasn’t such a great idea after all? Also, yes.

Well, you can breathe again because apparently Ben Affleck himself agrees with you. Last night, Variety reported that the filmmaker would be stepping down as director. He will remain on as producer and star of the project.

“There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions,” Affleck said in a statement. “Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film.”

Pictured: Focus, passion.

Affleck went on to underline his commitment to the project and that he and studio Warner Bros. are searching for a director to replace the 44-year-old. For its part, Warner Bros. released its own statement, outlining its backing of Affleck’s decision and continuing support for the film.

Still, all this goodwill doesn’t answer the question of who is going to direct. Variety sources told the paper there was a shortlist with War For The Planet of The Apes director Matthew Reeves among those on the list.

And you’d imagine that if the search takes some time, it might lead to a reversal of the decision last year to push back the second Justice League film to make room for Batman (the first Justice League is slated for release later this year).